KCDF Newsletter, October 2025
November 18, 2025
KCDF Newsletter, November 2025
December 17, 2025A recent study by KCDF among male high school students shows that the learners have a strong interest in mentorship topics that support their personal, social, and emotional development. The study, conducted as part of KCDF’s boys’ mentorship programme’s baseline evaluation, uncovered powerful insights into what students in Nairobi feel they are missing and how parents can step in during this long holiday to support them where it matters most.
The mentorship programme, MENTENDA, run by KCDF, inspires high school boys to become responsible and confident men. From the study, learners expressed a strong interest in mentorship topics that support their personal, social, and emotional development.
The top areas they prioritised include:
- Characteristics of success & building self-confidence – 49%
- Career development – 46%
- Responsible sexuality – 35%
- Values of positive masculinity – 32%
- Understanding manhood – 22%
- Conflict resolution – 20%
- Challenges of masculinity – 18%
- Servant leadership – 17%
- Positive patriotism – 16%
These figures show that boys are not only hungry for inspiration but also for practical life skills and deeper conversations that shape character. What became clear from the MENTENDA discussions and surveys is that boys need as much intentional support and guidance as girls, sometimes even more.
Beneath the confidence many young men project lies a deep desire for direction, reassurance, and meaningful connection. When boys are not guided, the pressures they face, social, emotional, academic, and societal, can easily shape them in the wrong direction. But when they are supported, they grow into strong, grounded, and empathetic leaders.
Many of the boys shared that they lack consistent emotional support and reliable adult mentors, people who can listen without judgment and help them navigate their feelings. They expressed a longing for open, honest conversations about relationships, sexuality, boundaries, pornography, and HIV/AIDS. These topics are often ignored at home, leaving them to learn from peers or the internet.
They also admitted feeling unsure about their futures. Career choices, money habits, and long-term planning remain unclear to many of them. On top of this, they struggle with defining what it really means to be a man, battling mixed messages about masculinity, emotional expression, and societal expectations. Peer pressure also remains a heavy reality, whether it’s drugs, toxic behaviours, or influences that derail their potential.
Yet, these boys are not lost. They are asking for help. They want guidance. They want someone to walk with them. Holidays present a good opportunity for parents and guardians to step in and offer what the boys themselves say they need. Starting meaningful conversations about confidence, values, and manhood can open doors to understanding. Speaking openly about sexuality and relationships provides clarity and a safe foundation for healthy choices. Discussing career aspirations helps boys envision a future beyond the present and start dreaming responsibly.
Most importantly, parents can model positive masculinity, which includes leadership, empathy, responsibility, and emotional strength. By creating a supportive environment and connecting boys to role models, mentors, and community figures, we give them the anchors they lack.
KCDF remains committed to shaping future leaders through community-centric programmes such as MENTENDA and INPIRE HER (girls’ mentorship programme), working closely with private sector players in the country.
#Education #Mentorship #Highschoolstudents
